Ralph Edward Gray Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Ralph Edward Gray

September 18, 1941 - March 30, 2020

Obituary For Ralph Edward Gray

Ralph Edward Gray of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away at the QEII Hospital on Monday, March 30, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Ralph was born September 18, 1941 in Hillsburgh (now Erin Township), Woolwich County, ON. His parents were Frank and Thelma (Nodwell) Gray.

Ralph’s whole life involved his interest in mechanical things. He was lucky enough to have the first tricycle in Hillsburgh, ON, after the war. During his youth, Ralph worked at his father’s business, Grayco Potato Harvesters in Heidelberg, ON. During his high school days, his father would send him off to fix the harvesters across North America, from PEI to Florida. He would return to school after his trip with his teachers questioning as to where he had been. Ralph then had to explain he was at work, flying around fixing machinery.

Ralph graduated from McMaster University in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After a short time at General Electric, he joined his father in the potato harvester business. In time, he purchased the company from his father and grew it to produce tree seeding harvesters, using a unique steel chain production process with a number of patented innovations.

In 1990, the company changed direction and began to produce hydraulic platform tail-gate lifts for truck trailers, under the name, RailgatoR. Ralph had two US patents on the cylinders used on the lifts.

Ralph is remembered for his dry sense of humour, interest in politics and love of books. He moved with Jean to Grande Prairie in 2009 so she could return to the big blue skies of the Peace Country.

Ralph enjoyed retirement and took up curling at age 72. He also discovered YouTube and all things mechanical.

Left to mourn him is his wife Jean Smith Gray (Harris); his daughter Miranda, son Peter (Ellen); grandchildren: Dexter, Maxine and Cyrus; as well as his first wife Vinnie Buchannan.

He will also be missed by his sister Fran Currie, nephew David (Karen and family, nieces Cheryl (Al) Statts and family, and Elaine Currie; brother in-law Peter (Linda) Harris and families; sister in-law Rosaline (Frank) Wasowicz and family. Fondly remembered by his first wife Vinnie Buchannan.

Cremation has taken place, further arrangements are on hold.

Memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta (#144 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8), or to Diabetes Canada (#220 6223 2^nd St. SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5).

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Brown Lois

I am knew Ralph through curling for two years, He will be missed.
June 24, 2021

Smith Nancy

Dear Jean Our deepest condolences on the passing of Ralph. Our prayers are with you and his family. We hope that you are comforted by the warmth of shared memories and good times. Love, Nancy and Frank.
June 24, 2021

Wardill Diane

I am So Very sorry for your loss Jean. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Ralph was there having coffee as well.
June 24, 2021

Wilson Pearl

Condolences to Ralph's family from the many friends and curlers he met during his seven years participating in our 55 plus Seniors drop in curling league. His enthusiasm and wit were always part of his character. Ralph we will miss you when we hit the ice again in the fall. Rest in peace and make all those draw shots in the here after.
June 24, 2021

Limoges Leonard & Louise

Our sincere & deepest sympathy on the loss of RALPH. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. It was very nice to see you guys before we left for our trip. Hugs!
June 24, 2021

Hrychiw Paulette

Dear Jean, Just happened to be checking the obituaries when I seen that Ralph had just passed. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and yours on the loss of your husband, their father and grandfather. Paulette
June 24, 2021

Currie Lainie

Dear Jean, Miranda, Peter and Ellen, Dexter, Maxine and Cyrus, and Vinnie, So very sorry for the loss of Uncle Ralph. He was such a smart, humourous man with a very interesting mind and great curiosity. He cared deeply for and was proud of his family. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to you all. Lainie
June 24, 2021

Currie Lainie

Dear Mom, So sorry for the loss of Ralph. Brothers and sisters are very important in each otherâ??s lives. I know you will miss him. Love Lainie
June 24, 2021

Nordhagen Lorna

Dearest Jean: Please accept our heartfelt condolences on Ralph's passing. We will certainly miss his quick wit and the stories he shared with us at our family gatherings. Take special care, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Chris & Lorna

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